Kansas Flag History
Adopted: September 24, 1961
Kansas Flag Design: Seal of Kansas on a field of azure. A sunflower is displayed above the seal and the word "Kansas" below.
The Kansas flag consists of a dark blue field with the state seal in the center. A sunflower on a bar of twisted gold lies above the seal, and below the seal is the word "Kansas". The seal contains a landscape that includes a rising sun, representing the east; and a river and steamboat, representing commerce. In the foreground, a settler's cabin and a man plowing a field represent agriculture. A wagon train heads west and buffalo are seen fleeing from two Indians. Around the top of the seal is a cluster of 34 stars. The state motto appears above the stars.
The fight to secure a state flag goes back to 1915 when then-Governor Arthur Capper wrote to various other states inquiring about their flag if they had one, and how they went about deciding a design. It is interesting that the Michigan Historical Commission suggested the state seal on a blue background.
In 1916, the Daughters of the American Revolution held a contest to select a Kansas flag design. The winner was Esther Northrup of Lawrence who suggested three broad horizontal stripes, red, white, and blue. In the upper left was a gold sunflower on a blue background with the state seal as its center. Although it was submitted to the legislature in 1917, it was not accepted.
The debate over the Northrup flag, and other proposals, continued. At one point Topeka artist Albert T. Reid was asked to submit a design. His flag was a gold sunflower on a blue background. It received some popular acceptance.
In 1925 the legislature did select a state banner. As a banner, it was designed to hang from a horizontal bar. It contained the earlier familiar elements, the sunflower, and state seal centered in a blue field. Above this was "Kansas" and at the bottom was a draped gold fringe.
Rather than solve any problems, the selection of a banner intensified the conflict. The G.A.R. was the primary sponsor of the design and they were happy because the banner would not compete with the U.S. flag. Some felt the sunflower was a weed worse than the "cocklebur" and thought it had no place. The D.A.R. was unhappy because they wanted a flag, not a banner. Groups such as the National Guard found it impossible to march with the banner. It was rejected for display with other state flags in Washington.
It would be the influence of Adjutant General McLean who actually pushed the act "designating the form and color" of a state flag to passage on March 21, 1927. The basic elements were a blue field with the state seal in the center. Above this was the state crest. This was an insignia designated by the U.S. War Department in 1923 and was made up of a sunflower beneath which was a bar or wreath meant to symbolize the Louisiana Purchase. The legislature in 1961 added the word "Kansas" to the bottom of the flag and required all schools to display it. In 1963 the size was reduced to make it smaller than the national flags.
NOT ALL KANSAS STATE FLAGS ARE THE SAME!
HERE'S WHY...
Extra care is taken in making these flags. Flag designs are researched to ensure that they are authentic and current. We use sturdy fabrics, allowing the flags to be flown outdoors, indoors, or carried in parades.
Constructed with 100% Heavy Duty Nylon (digital dyed) ★ Beautiful, brilliant colors ★ Resistant to wear and tear of sun & rain ★ Complete with heavy canvas heading & brass grommets to meet the most demanding commercial and residential uses.
- All outdoor flags are finished with heavy-duty thread, polyester heading, brass grommets, and four needle fly hem
- State flags constructed to precise specifications
- Flies in the slightest breeze
- Proudly Made In The USA
- Beautiful Presentation - This Kansas Flag makes an excellent gift for friends, parents, or to PROUDLY display on your HOME or OFFICE.
HEAVY-DUTY NYLON OUTDOOR STATE FLAGS WITH SOLAR SHIELD
Our most popular and versatile outdoor Kansas flag, USA Flag Co. flags offer the optimum combination of elegance and durability for every purpose. The 100% nylon material provides a rich, lustrous appearance. Our flags have superb wearing strength due to the material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio and will fly in the slightest breeze. State flags are finished with strong, polyester canvas headings and spurred brass grommets, and four needle fly hem. The result is a flag that will be flown with pride year after year.
SOLAR SHIELD
- Rich, Vivid Colors
- Durable
- Fire-Resistant
- Mothproof
- Mildew Resistant
- Sheds Water
- Lightweight for Flyability
Add this Kansas Flag to your cart for Immediate Delivery Now.
Source:
Prepared by Thomas P. Barr, Research Analyst, 1989
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is the most common question asked in the industry and the most difficult to answer. No two flags will wear the same due to weather conditions and how often the flag is flown. Our flags offer the best stitching and highest quality materials to get your flag off to a great start.
Do not hang a flag where the wind will whip it against rough surface, such as tree branches, wires or cables or the outside of your home or building. Inspect your flags regularly for signs of wear. Repair any minor rips or tears right away this can be mended easily with a sewing machine or sewing kit. Keep the surface of the pole free of dirt, rust or corrosion that could damage or stain your flag.
We recommend that you hand-wash your flag with mild soap, rinse thoroughly and air dry. You can also use a dry cleaning service.
Exposing your flag to rain, wind, snow or high winds will shorten the life of your flag considerably. If you leave your flag exposed to the elements, it will greatly reduce the life of your flag.
Yes, as long as your pole is large enough to support the weight of the flags. The USA Flag must always fly at the top. The flag underneath should be at least one foot lower and be one size smaller than the USA Flag. Flags of other countries are not to be flown beneath the USA Flag.
If your flag is significantly faded, torn or tattered it is time to retire your flag. Your flag should be retired privately in a dignified manner. In addition, many local community organizations have flag disposal centers that will dispose of your flag for you.
